Study of pattern of cut throat injuries

Abstract

Introduction: The manner of death in cut throat injuries could be of homicidal, suicidal or accidental. This could be distinguished based on wound characteristics and crime scene investigation. Objectives: The present study was conducted to throw light on the pattern of cut throat injuries and to look for specific features, which suggests the manner of causation. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study from January 2005 to December 2013 for a period of 9 years was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine, M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, South India. Totally, 6710 medico-legal autopsy reports were reviewed. Of which 36 cases had cut throat injuries (0.54% of total autopsies). Results: Of these 36 victims, 75% were males and 25% were females. The highest incidence of cut throat injuries was in the age group of 21-40 years (66%) 32 were homicidal, 2 were suicidal, and 2 were accidental. Within 1 h, 26 of them had died. Hemorrhagic shock was the main cause of death in 27 cases. Internal jugular vein (86%) was the commonly injured structure followed by carotid arteries (61%). Defense injuries a key finding seen in homicides were observed in 12 cases. Injury to deeper structures such as esophagus and cervical vertebrae were seen in homicides only. Conclusion: In cut throat injuries, no single criterion can be solely considered in ascertaining the manner of death. The wound characteristics, examination of the clothes and visit to the scene of occurrence would go a long way in assisting the autopsy surgeon in determining the manner of death.